Separator



April 9, 1935. c. c. STEVENS V SEPARATOR Filed May 6, 1951 //\/\'/EN TOQ CLA QENCE C. STE vE/v5,

HLS ATTCDQNEY Patented Apr. 9, 1935 UNITED s ATEs sErAaAToa Clarence 0. Stevens, Forestvill e, Conn., assignor, by mesne assignments, to General Motors Corporation, Detroit, Mich a corporation of Delaware Application May 6, 1931, Serial No. 535,387

. 8 Claims.

This invention relates to separatorsand the method of making and comprises all of the features and aspects of novelty herein disclosed. An object of the invention isto provide an improved 5 separator for antifrictionbearings and an improved method of making it. Another object is to provide a separator, especially adapted forhigh speed bearings and one that has antifriction qualities while being strong and efficient and 10 capable of economical production and accurate formation. Still another object is to provide a separator of composite construction wherein the portions needing most strength have the stronger material.

To these ends and also to improve generally upon devices of this character, the invention consists in the various matters hereinafter described and claimed. In its broader aspects, the invention is not necessarily limited to the specific things herein shown by way of illustration wherein Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a. mold.

Fig. 2 is a side view of a separator.

Fig. 3 is a section on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the separator.

Figs. 5, 6 and 7 are perspective views, part1 in section, of various modifications.

In Figs. 2, 3 and 4, the numeral 2. indicates a composite ring which forms the body of the molded separator. The ring has a series of openings I for rolling elements herein indicated as balls 5. The side walls of the. body are preferably composed of continuous rings 6 of laminated fabric, such as canvas or linen, impregnated with bakelite or similar moldable material while those portions of the body which compose the partitions 8 between the openings are preferably composed of similar material in macerated or finely divided form.

A suitable mold is indicated in Fig. 1 and comprises a cylindrical core l; an upper ring l2, 9. lower ring l4, and an outer ring IS. A circular series of plungers or plugs [8 which form the openings for the rolling elements slide in radial openings of the outer ring l6. Heads 20 on the plungers desirably have cam faces engaged by a tapered face 22 on a ring 24 so that relative axial movement between the ring and the mold will force the plungers radially inwards. Cam faces 26 on-the heads are provided so that an externally tapered ring (not shown) will subsequently withdraw the plungers after the molding operation. One set of laminated rings 6 is laid on the lower ring I! and the plungers are advanced. Macerated or finely divided material for the partitions 8 is then placed in the mold and followed the shell.

by the other set of laminated rings 6. Upon adding the upper ring I2, the material is subjected to the usual pressure niolding and curing process to produce the finished separator. The line of demarcation between the partition material at 8 and-the side walls at 6 maybecome somewhat irregular but this is advantageous in that it produces a better, bond.

In the modification shown in Fig; 5, the separator is reinforced by a metal shell 30 having side fianges 32, the shell enclosing the molded material and a series of wicks 34. The ends .of the wicks terminate approximately at the inner diameter of the separator and extend around to the outside of the separator inside of the reinforcing shell. The wicks are embeddedin the partitions 8 but a short portion of each at 36 breaks through and is exposed at the ball pockets 4. I The shell stiffens the separator and thus allows the use of weaker moldable material. The'wicks take up lubricant,.as from the bearing cone which they may engage, and distribute it to the openings and the rolling .elements.

In the modification shown in Fig. 6, the shell 30 has openings 40 larger than the openings 4 s0 that the rims of the openings 40 cannot touch the rolling elements. In molding, the material runs into the openings 40 forming extensions 42 which line the rimsof the openings 40 and anchor In the modification shown in Fig. '7, the separator is reinforced by metal hoops 50 embedded therein and connected by cross pieces 52.

Bakelite or a fabric impregnated with it'is the preferred. kind of material as it is strong and has antifriction qualities.

I claim:

1. In a. separator for antifriction bearings, a ring having a series of openings for rolling elements, the portions of the rings between the openings being composed of macerated fabric impregnated with bakelite or the like and the portions of the ring at the opposite sides of the openings comprising laminated ringsof similar material; substantially as described.

2. In a separator for antifriction bearings, a ring comprising a reinforcing shell having a series of openings for rolling elements, the rims of the openings in the shell having clearance with the rolling elements, and a ring body of antifriction moldable material fitting in the shell and pe- -ripherally enclosed thereby, the body having a series of openings for the rolling elements and extensions lining the rims of the openings in the shell; substantially as described.

mg shell with side flanges rolling elements and the body having openings the rims oi the openin v and extensions lining p I in the shell andanchoringthe body tothe shell; substantially as described] .1

4. In a separator for antiiriction bearings, a

ring having a seriesoiopenings for rolling ele'- ments, thering having annular side walls and connecting partitions, and wicksembedded in the partitions and having side portions thereotbreaking the partitions to'the openings? substantially as described. v

5. In a separator for antiiriction bearings, a ring having abodyiportion-with a series of openings for re elements, and a-series o1 lubrieating wicks extending crosswise oi the ring between the rolling'elements, the wicks being embedded ln the body to the edge of one of the as described.

6. In a separator within the shell and portion and each extendingopenings; substantially v v described. for antirriction'bearings. a

ring having a body portion with a series of openings for rolling elements, a series of lubricating wicks embedded in the body portion, of each wick being exposed at the edge 01' an opening to lubricatethe rolling element and another portion being'exposed at one of the peripheral surfaces or the ring; substantially as described.

'7. In a separator for antifriction bearings, a composite ring having a series of openings for rolling elements. one part comprising a body portion oif moldable material and the other part comprising a reinforcing shell of metal, and lubricating wicks between the body and the shell and exposed at the edges of the openings; substantially as described.

8. In a separator for antiiriction bearings, a composite ring having a seriesoi openings for rolling elements, one part comprising a reinforcing shell with side flanges and the other part being 'a body 0! antiiriction material enclosed confined laterally by the flanges, and lubricating wicks exposed at the edges ot the openings, the wicks passing between aside flange of the shell and the adjacent side one portion 0! the body and terminating adiacent to the as inner periphery of the ring; substantially as CLARENCE C. STEVENS. 

